FAQs

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Fences do not require permits; however, there are installation requirements by City Code. In residential areas, the height of a fence in any street frontage setback must not exceed 42". Fences shall not be located within drainage or utility easements. The City does not survey property lines; therefore, we recommend owners get their property surveyed before installing a fence.

What are the requirements for placing a shed on my property?

Any shed erected on a permanent foundation requires a building permit and is required to meet zoning setbacks for an accessory structure. Any shed greater than 120 square-feet requires a building permit and is required to meet zoning setbacks for an accessory structure. Sheds that are 120 square-feet or less AND will not be on a permanent foundation do not need a permit and do not need to meet zoning setback requirements. Homeowners should also check for any restrictions, such as covenants for a homeowner's association, that may apply.

When is a building permit required?

Building permits are generally required for any modifications made to your property. There are some exceptions: fences, as described above; certain sheds, as described above; maintenance, such as painting, replacing floor coverings, and sealing driveways; reroofing that does not require structural alteration; and landscaping. Please do not hesitate to submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker describing the proposed activity so that our office can determine if it requires a permit or not.

Where are my property lines?

The City does not survey property lines. We recommend contacting a local surveyor to locate and identify property lines.

My property has an engineering water hold, what do I do?

Please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker. Our office will review your request and provide the steps that must be taken to have the hold removed.

Will the City remove a dead tree in my front yard?

The removal of trees on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. The City does have a protocol for dead, dying, or hazardous trees that are in the public right-of-way. Please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker to get answers specific to your situation.

How do I get electric service restored to my property?

The power company must be contacted to verify that inspection by our office is appropriate. After that confirmation is received, contact our office at (765) 807-1050 or visit our office at 20 North 6th Street to set up a meter-only inspection. An adult is required to be present at the inspection. Further direction will be provided by the electrical inspector during the inspection.

How do I upgrade or add an electric service?

Contact our office at (765) 807-1050 or visit our office at 20 North 6th Street to set up an electrical info-trip inspection. Further direction will be provided by the electrical inspector during this inspection. It is City policy to not allow more than one electric service for any purpose to a property that is zoned for single-family residential use.

Can I connect to City utilities?

The City provides water and sanitary sewer service to most areas. To determine if services are available at your location and any associated fees, please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker.

Can I widen or add a driveway?

The widths of residential driveway approaches, the portion of the driveway in the public right-of-way, are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Modifications to an approach require a Right-of-Way Permit. It is City policy to limit the number of residential driveways to one access to a public roadway. In most cases, a property can have access to both a public roadway and an alley. Please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker to get answers specific to your location.

What is my property zoned?

To receive a zoning determination for your property, please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker. The official zoning maps can also be accessed here.

Can I run a business out of my home?

Certain home occupations are allowed; permitted home occupations have several restrictions. Additional information can be found in Chapter 5-5 of the Zoning Code which can be accessed here. Please submit a request under "Engineering Questions" on our Citizen Request Tracker to get answers specific to your proposed home occupation.

How do I request to close a street, alley or sidewalk in Lafayette?

All requests to close streets, alleys, and sidewalks are subject to the review and approval of the Engineer's Office. You must submit a request 36 hours prior to the requested closure. Closures are approved on a very limited basis due to the impact on local residents and businesses. Please contact our office at (765) 807-1050 for further information. To request a closure please fill out the Closure Request Form and submit to our office.